New York Passes Law Easing Up a Number of Regulations On Brewers

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed into law a bill that will loosen a number of restrictions imposed on alcoholic beverage producers.

The Craft New York Act, which will officially take effect in 29 days, will ease licensing requirements and reduce fees for New York-based craft brewers, winemakers, cider producers and distillers that are looking to increase production. Additionally, the new law will enable manufacturers to conduct on-premise tastings with less stringent food requirements.

“This new law builds upon this administration’s ongoing efforts to promote this industry by cutting red tape, reducing burdensome regulations and removing artificial barriers that stifled growth,” said Gov. Cuomo in a news release. “New York is truly open for business, and I thank my partners in the legislature for their hard work in making this a success for all of our craft beverage businesses.”

In conjunction with the new law, Gov. Cuomo also launched a $2 million Craft Beverage Marketing and Promotion Grant Program as well as a $1 million Craft Beverage Industry Tourism Promotion Grant.

According to a press release, the ‘Craft Beverage Marketing and Promotion Grant Program’ will provide “matching funds for the marketing and promotion of craft beverages” and award up to $500,000 to nonprofits for costs associated with the marketing efforts. The Craft Beverage Industry Tourism Promotion Grant will help to grow industry-related tourism and provide up to $250,000 for marketing-based tourism projects.